Style Post-its

Curvaceous Beauty

This is my first real fashion post in ages! I've never really done a full post on fashion that caters to plus sized ladies or as TV stylist Gok Wan would say, Curvaceous Beauties!!

I've noticed more shops provide bigger sizes especially since the revolt against size zero models on the runway in 2006 but i still think that there aren't many shopping options for the fashionable plus-sized gal. Some of the clothes are actually unflattering and not very feminine and its like some idiot just decided that fuller-figured women shouldn't be able to participate in fashion trends. As someone who has issues buying clothes because i'm quite tall, i feel i should put in my two cents.

I'm not an expert but i've done some research......

Famous Beauties With Curves

Jackets

• A Low cut, single breasted jacket works best if you have a big bust

• A jacket that fastens underneath the bust is preferably because one that buttons over the bust might appear too tight and could lead to the peek-a-boo effect (we dont't want that, lol!)

• Go for styles that are slightly longer than the hip to elongate the body. Unless it's a cropped jacket, anything that hits right on the hip tends to draw attention if you are wider at the hips.


• A narrower lapel makes you appear slimmer up top.

Tops

• Stick with tops that have deep V-necks, sweetheart and scoop necklines (layer tops underneath very low necklines)

• Wrap tops are good
  
• Avoid high necks like the plague!

• General Tip! If you are higher than a C-Cup try not to wear heavily padded bras especially with Shirts. A lady at T.M lewin told me this when i kept complaining about my buttons. I now wear non-padded bras with my shirts and I even went a shirt size smaller....lifesaver!)

Jeans/Trousers

• Go for straight cut or boot cut styles
  
• Dark, clean washes

• Avoid tapered skinny jeans or anything too small or tight that creates a "sausage" effect

*If you must wear skinny jeans, make sure you wear a long-lined top that covers the widest part of your thighs. Also, remember to go for a darker wash.

• Avoid cropped or boyfriend styles which will tend to make you look short and wide
  

What About Your Friends?

You know that TLC song that forces you to ask yourself the question...

'What about your friends, Will they stand their ground, Will they let you down again?

What about your friends are they gonna be low down, Will they ever be around or will they turn their backs on you?'

People are not always reliable and you can never predict what they will do but i can say with some certainty that my friends and family have my back and vice versa.

Dear God, Thank you for my family and friends :-)

My thoughts on 'The Thriller'

No need to say it. I know! It's work stress and total lack of inspiration. lol! Hope everyone in blogsville is doing great.

I guess you would have to live on Mars if you haven't gotten your fair dose of the Michael Jackson saga (I suspect that if life existed on Mars, they would know too!). His death came as quite a shock to me. The shock lasted for two days and then the crying started...it's weird how one is capable of grieving for a person they have never met before. I wish he could have seen all this outpouring of love while he was still alive...he probably thought nobody cared anymore. All the ridicule and accusations - if we are to believe the drug addiction stories - finally took its toll on the man. There is only so much one person can take.

I remember when I saw my first MJ video, Mesmerising is an understatement. The dance moves, his voice, the costumes, the unforgettable, powerful and inspiring lyrics...shall i go on? This man was just talented beyond this world. He didn't just sit on his money either, he was extremely charitable. He is a legend (It seems like that status carries some kind of curse with it)

Nobody knows for sure whether those allegations brought against him were true but I really pray that the press and critics just leave him and his family alone now.

R.I.P. Michael Jackson.

Update on my relocation/The Carters/Beyonce's Boho Style

Had a crazy day today. Local government workers are just so nonchalant. Why does it have to take almost 5 hours to achieve something that can be done in 45minutes. Damn!

If I didn't already mention it, I'm doing my NYSC in Lagos, Nigeria and today was community development day (once a week for a whole year) which is why I was at the local government. Apart from the stress of having to deal with the local government and nysc officials, it's been going well. My job gets more demanding everyday but I'm in banking so it's expected. Also, I'm meeting new people everyday - the nice and the not-so-nice. Feeling less like a foreigner in my own country as time goes by.

OK. Enough about me.

Jay Z and Beyonce out shopping in New York city. Don't they just look so cute and together?

Seems like B is doing her own version of boho chic. Verdict is still out on the NYC outfit for me. She looks nice but there's too much going on. I think I love all the pieces individually in that first photo especially the dress and necklace.

While out in Vienna, she rocks a skimpy tank, J. Brand jeans, YSL cage boots, a Valentino bag and a fedora hat. I like the relaxed and casual feel of the outfit - it looks like something Zoe Kravitz might wear. I hate those shoes! The heel makes it look even worse.

Photo credits: Concrete Loop, celebrity-gossip.net

Maxwell Debuts New Video

Well it's about time!!! God knows I've been waiting an eternity for this. Singer Maxwell released the video for his new song “Pretty Wings” on Tuesday. The first album off the highly anticipate trilogy "Black Summer's Night will be released on July 7th after an EIGHT year hiatus.

I love the song. It's still Maxwell...a little more grown and sexy (still miss the hair sometimes :-). His voice is still aMazing - like butter melting on warm toast. I'm off to have a listening party with Maxwell's old joints.

Realization

If you change who you are and live your life preoccupied with not wanting people to hate you...you'll eventually end up hating yourself.

Elle Magazine's No Makeup Issue

The April issue of French Elle features eight female European celebrities including Eva Herzigova, Monica Bellucci, Sophie Marceau, and Charlotte Rampling -all without makeup.

It's about freakin time! That is NO MAKEUP, NO AIRBRUSHING or RETOUCHING and NO PHOTOSHOPPING.

The photos are certainly different and I think is time to start re-programming our brains and realize that nobody is perfect. These ladies look relaxed, vulnerable, natural and as gorgeous as ever but most of all they look REAL.

Monica Belluci - 44

Eva Herzigova - 36


Sophie Marceau - 42

B.L.O.C.K.E.D

Hello! It's been a while...I KNOW! I got hit with a lack of inspiration again coupled with the fact that whenever I come to do a blog post, all I want to do is spill my guts about my personal issues. I decided a long time ago that this blog would be about fashion, entertainment and all things fun so I'll refrain from sharing.

Maybe I'll come up with something when I stop pressuring myself into doing a post.

xoxo

LISTENING TO.........

All I want is you by Barry Louis Polisar

Interview with a vampire

Robert Pattinson, star of Twilight and the object of most women over the age of fourteen's obsession covers this month's GQ magazine. The interview was certainly interesting (check out the interview on the GQ website). I love the outfit choices for the photoshoot, although he could probably wear a bin bag and still look hot.

My favourite shot...but smoking is really bad for you

Ha ha ha, that hair!

Stepping out

I spotted these fabulous shoes on ASOS and i'm totally lusting over them.

Just Cavalli Croc T-Bar Platform Wedge Sandals

I love the Delicious shade of orange and the mock croc effect. I'm drawn to platforms because they are comfortable but you still get that super high heeled effect.

ASOS Premium Snake Lace Front Platform Peep Toe

Hot, hot and hot! Really like the lace-up front with peep toe and the buckle detail. Go-to item for adding some edge to your outfit.

Colour Clashing

Confessions of a shopaholic....a masterclass in colour clashing.

Ok it's not really a brand new trend but yes! Clashing is good this spring/summer...there's a right and wrong way to clash colours of course. Boring matchy matchy has gone out the door folks. Try new combinations and variations of hues - think outside the box. Green/pink, Purple/Blue, Red/Yellow, Brown/Pink, Blue/Red, Orange/Peach ... just get the hues right. What I liked the most about the wardrobe from 'Confessions of a shopaholic' was the presence of colour. Not just the wonderful bright colours, but the way they were put together to create fun and sometimes quirky outfits.

I've created a few examples with fresh ways to pair colours and more traditional colours that go well together but are not matchy matchy.

Tip: Be careful with the temperature of your outfit. Hot pink with Neon green is never a good idea, Ugly Betty is only adorable on TV. I find that pastels are a lot easier to play around with especially if you are not used to colour coordinating.

GREEN AND PINK

PURPLE AND BLUE

RED AND YELLOW

OLIVE AND PURPLE

Official Report and details on the Rihanna and Chris Brown Incident

I decided against commenting on this incident until the REAL facts in the case became available. This is a CNN report which includes details from the affidavit filed by the Los Angeles police department.

Chris' attack is even more violent than i originally imagined, he tried to push her out of a moving car and had her head in an arm-lock!! I wish her family might have been able to make her get some counseling because getting back together with Chris is clearly not a good idea.

Beyonce covers Ebony Magazine

Beyonce Knowles graces the cover of Ebony Magazine's April issue where she discusses home life with Jay Z among other things. The photos are very visually dynamic, Beyonce's never been one to go for the generic when it comes to styling. Her look for the photoshoot is a departure from what it has been while promoting her new album 'I am...Sasha Fierce.

Slumdog Millionaire Dance Craze

Looks like this movie may start a Single Ladies -esq dance craze. This movie in my opinion changed the Oscars this year - it's far from the usual borefest associated with oscar nominated films. If you haven't seen the movie, go see it NOW! If you have seen it, well...go see it again. Enjoy x x

Scent-sational

I've been shopping around for a new scent and as fun as that sounds, it's so hard to choose from the millions of brands on the market. I've narrowed it down to these four:

Sarah Jessica Parker has created a signature look and fragrance that is ultra-feminine and timeless. tastefully hip. This, in my opinion is the best perfume ever created by a celebrity (I'm not a big fan of celeb fragrances). The perfume has been described as one which blends a scent of pure innocence with the exotic nature of a precious oil and the sophistication of a fine perfume. That is no lie. This one is a must-have if you love all things feminine, elegant and classic. I'm sad because I've got about 2 sprays left till it's finished.

Chemistry: Top notes sparkle with Fresh Mandarin, Bergamot and Radiant Rosewood rushing into Lush Lavender and Crisp Apple Martini. Middle Notes Blossom with Exotic Patchouli, the perfume of paper whites and creamy orchid. Bottom Notes Seduce and Linger with Sensuous Cedar, White Maber, Sultry Musk and Woods.


I reckon 'Elle' is the perfect name for this fragrance as it conjures up the right images of what it really is. I adore the design of the bottle - very chic. An audacious and feminine fragrance for a cosmopolitan girl - vibrantly feminine and ultra contemporary. It fuses woody and floral notes to create a perfume for a woman with no reservations.

Chemistry: A blend of Peony, Pink Berries and Patchouli

Euphoria By Calvin Klein was launched as a Fun, Enticing (I hate that word, lol!) Scent for Women. I love it for not being too over-powering and it's a really great fragrance in a humid environment. I think this is going to be my present to myself on my birthday. Apparently, the bottle design was inspired by an orchid about to bloom.

Chemistry: The Beautiful Fragrance has top notes of Pomegranate, Persimmon, and a Lovely Lush Green Accord. The Heart then blends into a sensual Lotus Blossom and black Orchid. Bottom notes are Amber, Violet, Cream And Woods.


'Simple yet sensual, comforting yet captivating'. This one is a strong and bold woman's perfume. I imagine a powerful and sophisticated business mogul. She has a mysterious and seductive nature. I'm not too familiar with Armani's fragrances and I hear their women's perfumes are not as popular as the males (this one was created from the male version) but this is a good attempt.

Chemistry: Orange flower note with fresh ginger accents and the caress of honey-sandalwood accord.

SOME OF MY FAVOURITE PERFUME ADS


Aww...too cute.

This really made me want to go and get the perfume (only thing stopping me was the price tag)


I Think this has a lot to do with the CSS track.

Perfect jeans...now which shoes?

Hello fashionistas. For my post today, I thought it might be helpful to give some advice on which shoes go with each style of jean - I myself used to find it tricky.

SKINNY JEANS

It seems most of us are not quite ready to give up on the skinny jean yet. It's the go-to item of clothing for those 'I have nothing to wear' situations. You can never go wrong with Skinny jeans and a cute top. The best shoes to wear with skinny jeans are ballet flats or thin-heeled/stiletto pumps.

Christian Louboutin Alti Leather Pumps

Faith Red Patent Heels

Tory Burch Reva Patent Flats


BOOT-CUT JEANS

Personally, I find boot-cut jeans the hardest to wear. They are best suited to cowboy boots or knee-high boots which is fine if you are in live where the sun don't shine (lol!). The wider leg will allow the shaft of the jeans to hang comfortably over the boots. However, these jeans are not very good for those who prefer tucking jeans into boots (skinnies are perfect for that) because the excess material will keep spilling over the boots.

My advise for fashionistas in warmer climates would be to try strappy sandals.

Georgina Goodman Suede boots

WIDE-LEGGED or FLARED JEANS

These jeans are a throwback to the 70s and always make a reappearance. So if you are skeptical about making the investment, don't worry! The appropriate shoes for this type of jean are platform heels or wedges. I know some people suggest cute flats but it can be a little tricky to pull off and usually results in a frumpy look.

When choosing this style of jean, you should make sure that they are not too long or short - go for something that falls an inch to the ground. Also, I find that the slightly high waisted versions are more flattering. Keep the top either fitted or short and slightly loose paired with a platform peep-toe for some va va voom or wedges paired with big sunglasses and stacked bangles to keep the overall look funky.

Fendi Tri-Colour Slingbacks

Via Spiga Priscilla from Piperlime

Tory Burch Julianne Wedge

Tory Burch Cerise Canvas Wedge (Perfect for Summer!)

STRAIGHT - LEGGED JEANS

Thick heeled- court shoes generally look good with straight cut jeans. Depending on the length (if they are ankle swingers), flat pumps are also acceptable. I think they look a little weird with boots.

Karen Millen Leather Platforms

Please feel free to add your 2 cents. Until next time...toodles

xoxo